Introduction to CAM
The National Institute of Health has identified three groups of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to determine the funding of research projects:
- Techniques recognized by insurance companies and medical professionals as effective, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and others.
- Techniques based on faith that make them impossible to study scientifically, such as prayers.
- Techniques not accepted by Western practitioners but can be investigated: herbs, homeopathy, hypnosis, massage, yoga.
It is the latter group that is the focus of research projects. Yet, despite the number of practices, 53 percent of the patients surveyed prefer traditional medicine and only 19 use CAM.
Contrary to existing myths, consumers notice the difference in service from different specialists and want to be involved in the treatment process by sharing their decisions with the doctor. In addition, most patients are currently attracted to non-allopathic approaches, which indicates the need to study them. Therefore, the Board of Nursing strongly encourages nurses to explore CAM therapies and integrate them safely into their practice.
Modalities of CAM
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional technique of sending signals to the body through specific points and meridians to activate the internal mechanisms of self-regulation and recovery. In modern medicine, the Qi approach and concept have been explored by Dr. Cho, one of the developers of the MRI modality. The energy flows were recorded by him using MRI. With the use of acupuncture along the meridians, changes in blood flow were recorded, despite the lack of anatomical connection. At the moment, this technique is widely used by hundreds of thousands of people for pain relief.
Herbals
Herbs in this context refer to herbal and mineral supplements intended to treat symptoms and health problems. While using them can be dangerous, people spend a considerable amount of money on them, believing that “natural” means “safe.” Special commissions draw up tables of the interaction of herbs with the body and other substances to protect people. Such information should be sought from valid FDA sources because other references may be inaccurate. Therefore, while their use can be of immense benefit, they should be taken with caution, carefully calculating dosages that differ for different substances and in different situations, especially in the case of children.
Hypnosis
Despite the biases, recent scans show a link between hypnosis and the brain. The human brain under hypnosis begins to work differently in three different areas, making it possible to apply this method for therapeutic purposes. Research shows the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating phobias, addictions, and anxiety. In addition, applications of this method to control other activities, such as respiratory activities during radiotherapy, are being investigated.
Biofeedback
This method is designed to teach patients to reduce mental connections and connections with the somatic self. Another name for biofeedback is neurotherapy, and its purpose is to control the activity of brain waves. Successful control of this process can help cure psychological illnesses such as ADHD and PTSD and help manage chronic pain and addictions.
Homeopathy
The essence of homeopathy is to treat like with like, while allopathy, i.e., Western medicine, heals diseases with opposite cures. The principle is similar to the development of immunity. The attitude towards homeopathy in many countries of the world, including the United States, is highly controversial, but the health care of some countries relies heavily on this area. The positive aspects of homeopathic medicines are the absence of dependence on body weight and the practical lack of any restrictions. Treatment with homeopathy takes the form of treating symptoms with substances from botanicals and biologics.
Keeping Abreast of CAM Research and Changes
Using only traditional Western methods limits the nurse’s options, ignores the patient’s self-care patterns. On the other hand, exploring safe and effective alternatives can significantly enrich the practitioner’s practice. However, one must be careful and wary of fraud, which can be recognized be assurances of quick and easy improvements. A detailed study of current trends can benefit both the nurse and the patient.
Dr. Lithgow’s Patient
One of Dr. Patient Lithgow’s, Elsa, is the perfect illustration of the influence of scammers on ordinary people. The critical condition of the patient was noticed during the follow-up examination. It turned out that Elsa had switched from Levothyroxine to herbal preparations for the treatment of the thyroid. This was done on the initiative of Gary, a “natural doctor,” who made this conclusion based on the so-called iridology. After examining the iris of the eye, experts allegedly concluded problems in different body systems. A list of herbal remedies was then assigned, which was increased every week or two based on fake analyses. The severity of the condition can be illustrated by the monstrous excess of TSH in the body – while the average rate is 0.4 to 5, Elsa’s level was 143. Finally, after talking with Gary himself, Dr. Lithgow filed a complaint with the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association.
Conclusions
People are often attracted to the label “natural product”; however, one needs to be extremely careful with this term due to its use in marketing. The vast majority of drugs are labeled as natural to attract buyers, which does not guarantee their safety. Furthermore, the label “natural” does not mean helpful, as there are many natural substances, such as arsenic, that can kill a person.
Even if the nurse does not incorporate CAM into her practice well, patients likely use these techniques in secrecy. Therefore, it is necessary to study current research and changes, looking for safe alternatives, beware of scammers. Incorporating complementary techniques into nursing practice can help the nurse better provide patient care by combining traditional and alternative approaches. Secure methods include acupuncture, herbs, hypnosis, biofeedback, homeopathy.